PPC121 | PESTS IN POLITICS

▶BPCA challenges failings in glue trap legislation

BPCA has stepped up its campaign to fix the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 after undercover footage showed retailers still selling and advising on the illegal use of glue traps.

On 3 August 2025, Humane World for Animals UK released its findings: 42% of independent DIY and hardware stores visited were still selling glue traps to the public.

Not a single retailer warned that using glue traps without a licence is illegal. 

Worse still, some advised customers to drown live animals or throw them away in bins while still alive – both offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The investigation also shone a light on continued risks to non-target species. Hedgehogs, wild birds and even pets are still being caught by these devices.

BPCA supported the investigation and was name-checked in the report, which stated that “the legal loophole made a mockery of the licensing scheme for professional pest controllers.”

Talking to Defra

Earlier this year, BPCA wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for:

• A full ban on the sale of glue traps to the public
• An immediate awareness campaign
• Stronger enforcement of the law
• Improvements to the licensing scheme for professionals
• Reduced costs and barriers for legitimate pest control work.

We received a reply from Baroness Hayman, the Defra Minister responsible for biosecurity and animal welfare, and have had further discussions with her following this latest report.

The department has said it may review the scheme if presented with evidence of serious public health impacts or if applications are rejected in genuine high-risk cases.

Our position is clear: evidence of failure is already in plain sight. We’ve offered to arrange a roundtable with officials and members working in schools, hospitals and food factories, to show what the current approach means in practice.

We’ll keep pushing for a total ban on sales, fair and affordable licensing for trained professionals, and tougher enforcement. Members encountering illegal sales or use of glue traps should report them to their local authority and copy BPCA at policy@bpca.org.uk.
 

▶Consultations galore HSE consultation on anticoagulant rodenticides

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on the renewal of anticoagulant rodenticides under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation.

These include difethialone, difenacoum, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, flocoumafen and coumatetralyl. Because these substances meet exclusion criteria under GB BPR, their continued use needs strong justification. The consultation asks whether alternatives are:

• Safer for human health, animal health and the environment
• Effective enough to control rats and mice
• Economically and practically viable
• Broad enough in range to prevent resistance.

If HSE decides that alternatives are suitable, authorisation could be restricted or refused. That would dramatically reduce the tools available for professional rodent management.

BPCA will submit a response on behalf of members, presenting evidence to safeguard these vital products.

BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson said: “Anticoagulant rodenticides are critical for professional rodent management, safeguarding public health and infrastructure.

We’ll put forward a strong evidence-based response to protect this essential part of our toolkit, and we urge members to share expertise so we can speak with one powerful voice.”

▶UK REACH and invasive species

The government is also consulting on chemical registration deadlines under UK REACH and exploring an alternative transitional model. BPCA is contributing to ensure pest professionals’ needs are fully understood.

Meanwhile, outcomes are expected soon for Pathway Action Plans under the Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) strategy.

Consultations like these shape the very rules that govern our work. If BPCA didn’t respond, decisions could be made without any reference to real-world pest management.

By responding collectively, we make sure members’ voices are heard and our expertise is on record. Whether it’s about safeguarding rodenticides, improving licensing or influencing procurement rules, these submissions are essential to protect both public health and professional practice.

▶Other changes pest professionals should watch

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